This parable [The Good Samaritan] is one of the most famous from the New Testament and its influence is such that to be called a Samaritan in Western culture today is to be described as a generous person who is ready to provide aid to people in distress without hesitation.

Parable of the Good Samaritan - Wikipedia -- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parable_of_the_Good_Samaritan(retrieved 05/20/06)